Book Lovers club honors nursing profession
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
5:30 pm Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Book Lovers club honors nursing profession

GFWC Book Lovers Study Club celebrated the “Indispensable Nurse” as its everyday hero spotlight at its March meeting.

Vickey Cook, director of case management at Helen Keller Hospital and nurse with 30 years service, presented the program, which focused on original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage.

The difference is, with the original Medicare, you choose your own providers, whereas Medicare Advantage is a predetermined network.

Because original Medicare is managed by the federal government, the benefits are the same for every person enrolled. There are no pre-existing condition limitations or waiting periods. Part A covers inpatient care for people admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing home. Part B pays for outpatient expenses, such as doctor visits, X-rays and lab tests. It also covers medical equipment.

There is no coverage for prescription drugs, but you can enroll in a private Part D plan.

The Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C is similar to group health insurance that is earned during your working years. Medicare pays the insurance company to administer Part A and B benefits through the Medicare Advantage plan.

The most common types of Medicare Advantage Plans are health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, and preferred organizations, or PPOs. Both these plans provide Part D prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare Advantage plan offers the same benefits you get under the original Medicare but might offer coverage like routine vision and dental care. Some provide wellness programs, gym membership discounts and 24-hour nurse hotlines.

Which coverage is the best for you? Vickey said it’s difficult to give a snapshot of your costs with Medicare Advantage because each company offers a plan you can choose what to charge for premiums, deductibles and co-payment accounts. She recommended visiting a reputable Medicare insurance broker like Boomer Benefits to see what plans are available. This way you can compare costs and benefits to see which option is best for you.

Ms. Cook was presented two goodie bags for her continued services in the medical profession.

The Institute was presented by Anna Carol Porter on National Arbor Day and the importance of planting trees to improve the environment.

The meeting was held at the beautiful home of Brenda Oliver. Members were served delicious refreshments in the formal dining room.

Project for this meeting was donations to the Andrea’s Arbor, or Cramer Children’s Center. Observations included Read Across America; Women’s History Month; Child Abuse Prevention Month; National Consumer Protection Week; and Save Your Vision Month.

Brenda, president, gave a brief report on the GFWC Alabama North District meeting. GFWC Book Lovers Study Club received awards for Arts & Culture; Education and Libraries; Civic Engagement; Environment; Domestic Violence; Fundraiser; Legislation/Public Policy; Communications; President’s Project; Membership; and Women’s History.

The business session included members’ approval of placing an ad in the 2023 GFWC Alabama Convention Program.

Joshlyn Bowen, fundraiser chairperson, reported more than $950 in items had been collected for the Mother’s Day Basket, which will be given away May 1.  Members are selling donations for $20. Proceeds will go toward scholarships and various community projects.

Also on Franklin County Times
Thorpe to play at Blue Mountain Christian
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Brennon Thorpe made his plans official to attend Blue Mountain Christian University and play baseball for the Toppers during a recent s...
Russellville High Class of 1967 gathers, reminisces
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
July 16, 2025
You can’t really go back to the good old days of high school, but you can pay them a visit now and then. That’s exactly what the RHS Class of 1967 has...
Former Cypress Lakes official to lead Guntersville State Park
Lifestyles, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
GUNTERSVILLE — Heath Puckett had an Auburn University degree and golf course superintendent certification in his pocket when he arrived at Cypress Lak...
European travel builds bonds across cultures
Lifestyles, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- A group of Franklin County travelers spent nine days this summer walking through catacombs, exploring castles and standing in places w...
Little Free Library welcomes readers in East Franklin
Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Eleven-year-old Aiden Hall is an avid reader, but he doesn’t just want to read books. He also wants to share them, and the way he deci...
King becomes elementary curriculum director
Lifestyles, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELVILLE — Molly King says every child can learn, though not necessarily in the same way or on the same day — a belief she plans to carry into her ...
New Junior Leaders begin their training
Franklin County, News
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Forty-two high school students from across Franklin County are beginning 10 months of hands-on leadership training and community ser...
Fire destroys 2-story garage, guest suite
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
R U S S E L LV I L L E – Jason Gist leaned against the wall of his home with a look of disgust while dozens of firefighters worked to extinguish a fir...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Stories
July 4, 2025Augusto Simon Diaz, 42, of Russellville, passed away July 4. Visitation and funeral were held at Spry Memorial Chapel on July 12 from 2pm ...
July 16, 2025
July 8, 2025Jamie Kerby Cummings, 41, of Russellville, passed away on July 8. Visitation took place July 13, at Spry Memorial Chapel from 1 pm to 3pm....
July 16, 2025
July 11,2025Julie “JuJu” Welch Black, 63, of Russellville, passed away on July 11.Graveside service was held at 1pm on July 13, at Belgreen Cemetery w...
July 16, 2025
July 9, 2025Scott Noel Benford, age 58, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on July 9. Visitation was held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville on July 1...
July 16, 2025